Bunyoro-Kitara

Bunyoro-Kitara, Bantu monarchy of western Uganda under the Omukama, was among the most powerful kingdoms of Central and East Africa from the 16th to the 19th century. Heir of the greater Kitara empire of legend, its iron-armed regiments, salt works and barkcloth tribute network once overshadowed Buganda itself. The palace moves with each king, and regalia, drums, spears and the sacred herd pass from Omukama to Omukama; Solomon Iguru I, 27th of the line, reigns today. British guns broke Bunyoro in the 1890s and gave its counties to Buganda; oil found under the same soil now tests the kingdom again. Royal funerals, the Empango coronation and the pastoral Bahuma clans keep Kitara's memory inside the republic. Twenty-seven Omukamas have reigned in unbroken line. Bunyoro traditions claim the greater Kitara empire of legend. From the 16th to the 19th century no neighbour matched Bunyoro's armies. Western Uganda's Bantu farmers still pay tribute in kind at coronations.